Aroha

Both. The AROHA is cut unisex : a rectangular, sober silhouette in brown leather that sits as naturally over a wool coat as over a denim jacket. Plenty of men carry it as their daily satchel; plenty of women wear it crossbody.

The interior holds 8 liters, organized with slit and zippered pockets, a cell phone pocket and a laptop compartment. That covers a compact laptop or a tablet, a book, a notebook and the small things of a working day. The bag measures 34 × 24 × 9 cm, so measure a larger laptop against that footprint before counting on it.

Three ways. A leather top handle for the hand, and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap for shoulder or crossbody carry. The strap comes off in seconds when you want the bag to feel closer to a briefcase.

Everyday drizzle, yes. The oil immersed leather lets water bead off long enough to reach shelter, but it is a natural material, not a waterproof shell. If the bag gets soaked, let it dry fully away from direct heat before you use it again.

Anyone who packs for more than a day. At 8 liters it is a satchel, not a travel bag: gym kit, a change of clothes or bulky gear will not go in. If you need more room in the same spirit, the MANOA leather messenger bag is the travel-minded sibling of the range, and for a lighter, more contemporary carry the Everyday Messenger Bag from Sandqvist is worth a look.

Very little is needed. Light scratches come out by rubbing them gently with a cloth and a drop of vegetable oil. Dry the bag whenever it gets wet, and keep it away from light coloured fabrics: oil immersed leather can transfer some colour, and if it does, it comes out in the wash.